It is no surprise that Stenson commanded this early lead after he tore up the PGA this past summer, and replaced Woods as the top ranked golfer. Stenson, playing with tendinitis in his left wrist, scored a remarkable five birdies in six holes for the highlight of the day. The Swedish golfer displayed dominance over the other golfers in the first of round play, and appears to be set in winning the tournament on Sunday.
Other highlights included Dustin Johnson and his six birdies, combined with four bogeys, for a par of -2. Johnson believes he can take the tournament if he continues to play the way he did in the first round. Billy Horschel, playing for the first time at the East Lake Golf Club, finds himself tied for third place and admits it will take a lot to beat out Stenson, Scott or Woods, but he is prepared for this uphill battle. Veteran Sergio Garcia hit four birdies and two bogeys and confessed there is still room for him to improve his game at this tournament. Garcia, who finished this tournament in second place in 2008, still finds himself in the tournament chase in an eight way tie for sixth place at a par of -2.
After only one round of play, it is still uncertain which golfer will run away with the tournament, $10 million, and this season's championship, although Stenson's outstanding play is making a strong argument for himself. However, there is that chance that Scott, Woods, Horschel, or anyone else can turn up the heat over the next three rounds to challenge Stenson. Especially if Stenson's tendinitis begins to act up. Tee off time for the second round is Friday morning at 11:40 AM.
